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Archive for March, 2019

Fujifilm X-T30, Sony a6400 added to studio test scene

29 Mar

Fujifilm’s X-T30 and Sony’s a6400 are both highly capable midrange cameras, with APS-C sensors, similar resolution, excellent autofocus systems and similar pricing. So how do they stack up in our standard studio test scene? Take a look for yourself while we continue working through our full reviews.

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Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: a teardown of OPPO’s periscope-style smartphone telephoto lens

29 Mar

Periscope-style tele lenses are the latest big thing in mobile photography as they allow to squeeze longer zoom factors than before into the thin bodies of high-end smartphones. Huawei just launched the P30 Pro with a 5x optical tele and OPPO’s Reno device with a similar setup is set to launch on April 10, 2019.

Despite still being more than a week away from the official launch date, a video has surfaced on the Chinese social media site Weibo, showing a teardown of the Reno’s rear camera, including the innovative tele lens, and it’s fascinating to see how much technology and optical engineering can fit into such a tiny module.

The periscope camera only measures 23.5 x 11.5 x 5.73mm, making it thin enough to fit into phones without the need for a big camera hump. It also doesn’t take up much space in the body overall and therefore does not get into the way of other components.

A close-up of the periscope-style camera array on the Huawei P30 Pro.

The module consists of the image sensor, lenses and the prism that diverts the incoming light into the lens and onto the sensor. Optical image stabilization is achieved through a magnetic coil that moved the prism. Optical image stabilization is also available on the camera’s primary wide-angle and image data captured by the two cameras can be combined to generate a 10x hybrid-zoom image.

We also already know that at least one version of the Reno will be powered by Qualcomm’s top-end chipset Snapdragon 855-powered and come with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with 2340 x 1080 pixel resolution. So, overall the upcoming OPPO looks like it could be a real competitor to the P30 Pro.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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5 Ways to Use a Piece of Glass for Unique Portraits [video]

29 Mar

The post 5 Ways to Use a Piece of Glass for Unique Portraits appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.

In this video by Jessica Kobeissi, you’ll learn how you can use a simple piece of glass in different ways for some interesting portrait effects.

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You can use the glass from a picture frame to achieve these effects:

1. Glass Alone

Simply experiment with the piece of glass using light reflections for shapes.

2. Water Drops

Add water drops to the glass and experiment with depth of field with it to create interesting effects on your model. Bringing the glass closer to the camera and focusing through it changes the effect.

3. Facial Mist

Spray a facial mist onto the glass to soften the image of the model and giving it an ethereal feel.

4. Clear Gel

Smear clear gel onto the glass to add interesting texture. Focus in on the gel or focus through to the model for a softer effect.

5. Shiny Stickers

Add shiny stickers to the glass. Bring the glass closer to the camera for out-of-focus bokeh effects created by the light on the stickers.

 

You may also find the following articles helpful:

5 Photography Hacks to Improve Your Creative Photography

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DIY Photography Hacks and Accessories You Can Make at Home

5 DIY Hacks to Have in Your Camera Bag

DIY Lighting Hacks for Digital Photographers

The post 5 Ways to Use a Piece of Glass for Unique Portraits appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Caz Nowaczyk.


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Canon Asia pre-announces EOS R firmware update with better Eye-Detection AF, bug fixes

29 Mar

Canon Asia has shared a notice on its website informing EOS R owners that firmware version 1.2.0 for the full-frame mirrorless camera will be available sometime in the middle of April 2019.

According to the notice the update will include improved Eye-Detection AF that supports Servo AF when shooting still images and it will now be an available option when shooting video, regardless of the Movie Servo AF mode.

Canon has also addressed various fixes for the following issues:

?1. Under certain conditions the electronic level displayed in the electronic viewfinder did not display properly.
2. Under certain conditions information displayed in the electronic viewfinder was not properly rotated.
3. Under certain conditions updating the firmware for the wireless file transmitter WFT-E7 was not possible.

DPReview will keep an eye out for an announcement on the release and cover it when it’s live, but you can also keep tabs on the EOS R firmware page throughout April.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sigma announces pricing, availability of its MC-21 SA- and EF- L-mount adapters

29 Mar

Earlier this month, at CP+, DPReview got its hands on the Sigma MC-21 adapters, a pair of adapters that allow either Sigma’s SA- or Canon EF-mount lenses to be used on L-mount cameras. At the time we weren’t given details on pricing or availability, but today that changes. Sigma has announced the Sigma MC-21 SA-L and EF-L adapters will be available starting April 2019 for a cost of $ 169 USD and $ 249 USD, respectively.

As we were told at CP+, the SA-L and EF-L adapters can be used with 29 existing Sigma lenses, including 23 full-frame lenses and 6 APS-C lenses from the Global Vision lineup. This brings the total number of supported L-mount lenses to 40, including the 11 DG Art primes and and native L-mount lenses.

A full list of the Sigma lenses supported by the SA- and EF-mount lens adapter.

Sigma also confirms that data pre-loaded on the MC-21 adapters ensures autofocus and aperture control have been optimized for the supported lenses and says future lenses will hold the required data in the lens itself, meaning no firmware updates will be needed. The MC-21 adapters also support EXIF data transfer and various in-camera correction functions including chromatic aberration, peripheral illumination, magnification and distortion.

Additional features include an integrated tripod socket for mounting larger lenses without tripod support and an internal flocking that’s used to reduce internal reflections.

On the Foveon front, Sigma notes it ‘will aim to [eventually] replace its SA-mount lenses with the native L-mount versions, but until then, Foveon shooters can rely on the existing offering of Sigma MC-21 at a lower price point to ease the transition to the new system.’

Press release:

Sigma Announces Pricing & Availability for Sigma Mount Converter MC-21

Available in April 2019, the new accessory ensures compatibility of the Sigma lenses in EF and SA mounts with the L-Mount camera systems

Ronkonkoma, NY – March 29, 2019 – Sigma Corporation of America, a leading still photo and cinema lens, camera, flash and accessory manufacturer, today announced pricing and availability for the new Sigma Mount Converter MC-21, offering photographers a wider range of lens options for L-Mount cameras from Sigma, Leica and Panasonic. The Sigma MC-21 will start shipping in April 2019 and will be priced at $ 169.00 USD for Sigma SA-L mount and $ 249.00 USD for Canon EF-L mount.

Features

The Sigma Mount Converter MC-21 allows for Sigma’s SA mount and Canon EF mount lenses to be used on L-Mount camera bodies. By attaching MC-21 to a Sigma SA mount or Sigma Canon EF mount lens, it becomes compatible with the L-Mount camera system without compromising usability and image quality. The development of Sigma MC-21 increases the number of interchangeable lenses manufactured by Sigma to be used with the L-Mount systems by 29, offering a total of 40 lens choices, including 11 DG Art primes with native L-mount. The addition of MC-21 to the Sigma accessory lineup will increase the accessibility of the L-Mount system and further Sigma’s role in the strategic L-Mount Alliance alongside Leica and Panasonic.

The full list of compatible lenses and technical specifications can be accessed here and product imagery can be downloaded here.

Pricing

The lower price for the Sigma MC-21 in Sigma SA-L mount reflects the company’s appreciation for the loyal Sigma camera users as the MC-21 in Sigma SA-L mount allows for Sigma SA mount lenses to be used on any L-Mount camera body. Eventually, Sigma will aim to replace its SA mount lenses with the native L-mount versions, but until then, Foveon shooters can rely on the existing offering of Sigma MC-21 at a lower price point to ease the transition to the new system.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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National Geographic is now accepting entries for the 2019 Travel Photo Competition

29 Mar

Entries are now being accepted for National Geographic’s 2019 Travel Photo contest, with a top prize of $ 7500 on the line for the overall winner.

The competition is broken down into sections for Nature, Cities and People, and those coming out on top for these subject areas will win $ 2500. Second place winners will get $ 1500 and those in third position will come away with $ 750.

Seemingly to encourage photographers to enter now rather than at the last minute, the cost of submitting an image raises every week from $ 10 in week one to $ 35 in week six – which is the final week to enter before the May 3rd deadline.

The competition requires images be taken within two years of the date of entry, and only minor digital manipulations are allowed. The rules also state that anyone identifiable in the images will need to sign a release form:

If any persons appear in the photograph, the entrant is responsible for obtaining, prior to submission of the photograph, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the exhibition and use of the photograph in the manner set forth in these Official Rules without additional compensation. If any person appearing in any photograph is under the age of majority in their state/province/territory of residence the signature of a parent or legal guardian is required on each release.

Entrants will also need to obtain permissions from the owner of any private property shown in the pictures – ‘each entrant must be prepared to provide (within five (5) calendar days of receipt of Sponsor’s request) a signed written license from the owner of any private property included in the Submission’. Entry requirements can be studied in full on the Rules page of the website. Residents of 42 of the world’s 195 countries are eligible to enter the contest.

For more information, and to see those images already entered, visit the National Geographic Travel Competition website. For inspiration take a look at our coverage of the 2018 Travel Photo Contest winners.

Official announcement

National Geographic Travel Photo Contest Now Open

The National Geographic Travel Photo Contest is accepting entries from March 18 through May 3. Harness the power of photography and share your stunning travel experiences from around the globe. Enter your most powerful photos for a chance to win the 2019 National Geographic Travel Photo Contest. We are looking for images that show us the world: its people, places, and cultures. Photos that tell the story of a place and travel moments that reveal what inspires you.

Need inspiration? See the 2018 winners gallery and discover which photos took home top prizes.

Visit weekly to see photo galleries of the top entries and see if your photo is featured. Think you have the winning picture? Show us your best.

Categories
Submit to three categories: nature, cities, and people.

Official Prizes
The grand prize winner will receive $ 7,500. Their winning image will be featured on the @natgeotravel Instagram account. Individual category prizes include:

  • First place winners will receive $ 2,500.
  • Second place winners will receive $ 1,500.
  • Third place winners will receive $ 750.

How to Enter and Pricing
Starting March 18, visit the entry page to upload your photo and join the competition. Hurry! Enter early—prices increase every Monday. There is no limit to entries.

  • Week 1 entry fee: $ 10
  • Week 2 entry fee: $ 15
  • Week 3 entry fee: $ 20
  • Week 4 entry fee: $ 25
  • Week 5 entry fee: $ 30
  • Week 6 entry fee: $ 35

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Wisconsin videographer sued for more than $14K after court rules he botched eight weddings

29 Mar

Wisconsin videographer Scott Sockett, owner of Say I Do Wedding Services, has been sued for more than $ 14,300 by multiple customers who allege he failed to provide the services they paid for. According to an exposé by local news organization TMJ4, Sockett was sued by nine customers and only one case was dismissed, leaving him with orders to pay back thousands of dollars.

TMJ4 spoke with three of Sockett’s former customers, each of whom alleged the videographer either failed to show up to the wedding or only provided some of the services that were paid for.

A screenshot of the latest complaint shown on Scott Sockett’s BBB profile.

In the case of customer Heather Timm, according to the report, Sockett delivered a wedding video that included clips from a different wedding. Another customer, Alexandra Moiser, claims she paid $ 1,400 for services that included videography, uplighting, a photo booth, and a DJ, but only the DJ made an appearance. And in the case of customer Michelle Heck, Sockett allegedly didn’t even come to the wedding.

Sockett’s business is listed by the Better Business Bureau with an ‘F’ rating alongside a dozen complaints, including the above complaint, alleging failure to provide services paid for, failure to provide refunds, and in some cases, failure to show up for the wedding. Below is a PDF document linked on Sockett’s WeddingWire profile under the business name S2 Wedding Solutions that highlights what the company offers.

Sockett spoke with TMJ4 as part of its report, stating that the company is ‘in the process of trying’ to issue refunds. However, existing complaints from past customers claim Sockett had promised them refunds, photos, and more repeatedly without following through on the claims. In addition, Sockett claimed a competitor is behind the bad online reviews and that those alleged customers ‘were never actually customers or clients of ours.’

Sockett also told TMJ4 ‘he has had people who are happy with his services’ and would email the news team a list of said parties. TMJ4 ends its article saying ‘We have not heard back.’

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Video: Strange, amusing and bizarre camera commercials from the ’80s and ’90s

29 Mar

Editor’s note: There is a slight bit of profanity in this video, so if you’re in a work environment proceed with caution.


Canadian photographer and YouTuber Azriel Knight has published a humorous commentary video that features five old camera commercials from multiple manufacturers, giving the public a brief look at some of the marketing campaigns that hawked cameras to consumers in the 1980s and 1990s.

The advertisements include a high-energy 1991 Canon Rebel commercial featuring tennis professional Andre Agassi, a voyeuristic Japanese commercial for the Minolta X7, and a bizarre, somewhat psychedelic Nikon commercial advertising a point-and-shoot camera’s red eye correction feature.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony merges mobile, camera divisions under new ‘Electronics Products and Solutions’ unit

29 Mar

Sony Mobile has until now been an independent division within the Sony organisation, but this is about to change. The company has announced it will combine Mobile with its TV, audio and camera divisions and call the new unit Electronics Products and Solutions.

Officially, this is a move to increase synergies between product lines. Some of this has already been going on, with some Sony Alpha camera and Bravia TV technologies being implemented on high-end smartphone models, but apparently there is room for improvement.

Sony Mobile has been a weak spot in the Sony empire in recent years. With only 13.5 million units sold in 2017 and a decrease to an estimated 7 million in 2018 the division generated substantial losses of more than $ 913 million during the last four quarters. The camera division is doing much better, with an $ 804 million profit during the same period. TVs generated an operating profit of $ 714 million. So some investors fear the reorganization could be a move designed to hide the poor performance of Mobile behind the success of other units.

That said, the company has set a target to reduce costs in order minimize losses and hopes to be back to profitability with Mobile by 2021. The new triple-camera Xperia 1 could be a first step into that direction.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple patent application details tech to improve mobile underwater photography

29 Mar

Underwater photographers and cameras have to deal with less than ideal conditions. Light levels are low, water can be murky and add color casts to your images. Underwater modes on rugged cameras and (waterproof) smartphones are not new but now a patent application filed by Apple suggests mobile users could soon benefit from a more sophisticated version and achieve better underwater imaging results in the future if the system is ever implemented.

Apple’s patent application is titled ‘Submersible Electronic Devices with Imaging Capabilities and describes a system that automatically detects when the shutter button is pressed under water and makes the necessary adjustments to optimize image quality.

The device uses a range of sensors to detect if it is underwater and determines what steps are required to improve image results. A color ambient light sensor could be used to measure ambient light spectra above and under water and help calculate how much light is absorbed by the water. Depth, distance, pressure, and orientation sensors can be deployed to measure the water´s murkiness as well as the distances to the surface and subject. Backscattered light could be measured as well to find out how it affects the image.

With the data from all sensors collected, the system would then make adequate adjustments to camera settings and image processing, for example modify the white balance to avoid greenish color casts, or enhance exposure and texture rendition on the subject in murky conditions with low visibility.

As usual, there is no way of knowing if the patent ever makes it into a final product but given most of the sensors mentioned in the document are already present in current iPhone models, the system could probably be pretty easily implemented via a software update.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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